Polish ZUS expands pension benefits and introduces new allowances

The Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) in Poland is promoting higher pensions for workers who postpone retirement, estimating an 80 % increase for five additional years of employment and a 14 % rise for each extra year. A new “widow’s pension” (renta wdowia) is used by about 121 000 seniors in the Mazovia region; from 2027 the secondary benefit will rise from 15 % to 25 % of the primary pension. ZUS also pays an honorific monthly benefit of 6 938 zł to more than 4 200 centenarians. An energy allowance of 336.16 zł per month is available to specific groups (combat veterans, certain widows, etc.) without an income test. A draft law would automatically recalculate pensions for roughly 200 000 early retirees, potentially adding up to 552 zł per month. Limits on additional earnings may reduce pensions by up to 989.41 zł, and a forthcoming adjustment to the “500 plus for seniors” supplement will raise income thresholds in 2027. A petition to equalise the retirement age at 62 years has been discussed but no legislative change is planned.